Top Events This Summer in Tarragona and Barcelona

Summer in Catalonia is all about traditions, music and community. If you're looking for authentic local experiences and a festive spirit, two events stand out this year: the Sant Magí Festival in Tarragona and the iconic Gràcia Festival in Barcelona.  

On the BusPlana website, you can easily check all the schedules for regular routes, ideal for travelling between towns in the Camp de Tarragona and Costa Dorada regions, such as Salou, Cambrils, Tarragona, Vila-seca and La Pineda, and Barcelona. If you arrive by plane, remember that BusPlana is the official transport to Barcelona Airport, with the option of purchasing official tickets online for direct transfers between Barcelona Airport and Costa Dorada. This way, you can organise your getaway to the Sant Magí Festival in Tarragona or the Gràcia Festival in Barcelona with total ease and peace of mind.  

Sant Magí Festival in Tarragona  

From the 8th to the 19th of August, Tarragona comes alive to honour its patron saint, Sant Magí, in a local festival that combines tradition, music, family, and urban culture. This year, the main highlight is the return of the Carro de Sant Magí, which will once again travel through the streets of the Part Alta symbolising local identity. 

Cultural Activities for Families  

The Sant Magí Festival has a clear commitment to the participation of children and families. For example, the Gegants i Nanos gathering, on the 17th of August at 7 p.m. on the Rambla Nova, will bring together the giants of the region in a procession that captivates with its colourfulness and deep roots.  

It is also worth noting that on Monday, 18th of August, starting at 9 p.m., the Revetlla Familiar de Sant Magí will be held, which is a smaller version of this emblematic event, especially designed for children.  

Other Musical and Cultural Events  

Sant Magí also offers an intense programme for adults, young people and lovers of urban culture.  

On the one hand, the Jordi's Festival, on the 15th of August at 8.30 p.m. in the Parc del Francolí, brings together figures such as Kidd Keo and Atomic in a trap and dembow show that promises to be one of the most powerful of the season. And on the same night, starting at midnight, in the Plaça del Rei, the musical event Sant Magí's “Revetlla Matalassera” will take place, a night-time festival with a great atmosphere until the early hours of the morning with PD Petardeig and Miki DJ.  

On the 16th of August, at the Camp de Mart Theatre Auditorium, at 8 p.m., the 26th edition of the Festival de l'aMt, Capsa Music Festival will be celebrated, a free festival offering an extended evening of live performances.  

On a cultural level, one of the most notable events will take place on the 18th of August, when the Sant Magí water arrives in Tarragona. At 6.15 p.m., the “portants”, with carts and horses, will parade to the Portal del Carro, marking the return of the miraculous water and, as a new feature, the Carro del Sant. Then, at 8:30 p.m., the Ball de Gegants (Dance of the Giants) will take place in the Plaça de la Font.  

19th of August, the Big Day of the Festivities  

The main day of the festivities, the 19th of August, begins early with a mass in the church of the Portal del Carro and the traditional Matinades around 7 a.m. in the Plaça de la Font. Mid-morning, the chocolate feast and children's drawing contest will be followed by a swimming race with fins. You can also enjoy the solemn mass at 11 a.m. and the subsequent Castells day with the four local teams in the Plaça de les Cols.  

In the evening, starting at 7 p.m., don't miss the procession of Sant Magí, from the Portal del Carro, followed by the entrance to the chapel, the sardana dance and other dances showcasing the different festive elements of Tarragona.  

Gràcia Festival in Barcelona  

From the 15th to the 21st of August, the Gràcia neighbourhood becomes one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in Catalonia. The 2025 Gràcia Festival celebrates the 175th anniversary of Gràcia’s municipal independence with more than 23 decorated streets, music, correfocs, popular culture and inclusive activities for all audiences. This year, it consolidates a quiet night on the 18th of August to reduce the volume, highlights a strong feminist perspective and features over 900 activities throughout the week.  

Activities for All Tastes  

The opening speech will take place on the 14th of August at 7 p.m., given by Maria Garganté, and has become a tradition that marks the start of the seven days of festivities.  

On the 16th of August, the Offering to Sant Roc is celebrated, with a parade from the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia to the chapel, accompanied by “castellers” and “trabucaires” who lend a sense of popular celebration and reverence to this event with a strong local cultural presence.  

In the Plaça de la Vila, the highlight is the Castellers Day on Sunday, 17th of August, featuring the Castellers de la Vila de Gràcia and guest teams such as Vilafranca and Reus.  

Another essential moment is the competition and visit to the 23 decorated streets, whose theme this year incorporates reflections on a wide range of topics.  

The correfoc, which runs through some of the main decorated streets, will take place on the 21st of August at 9 p.m., when the ‘diables’ and dragons will enliven the nights with fire, rhythm and visceral tradition. For the little ones, the last day, 21st of August, at 6 p.m., will also include a children's correfoc.  

Throughout the days, concerts, dance and theatre performances, and shows for the whole family will also be organised.  

Get to Tarragona and Barcelona Easily with BusPlana  

Thanks to BusPlana's regular routes, you can travel comfortably to the main events of Sant Magí and the Gràcia Festival from key points on Costa Dorada, such as Salou, Cambrils, Vila-seca and La Pineda. In addition, we are the official transport to Barcelona Airport, so you can purchase official tickets online for transfers from Barcelona Airport to Costa Dorada. Thanks to BusPlana, travelling around Costa Dorada or to Barcelona is simple and convenient.